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Cougs’ commence

Central Kitsap High School seniors Alyssa Bergsma (far left) and Andrew Buskirk can only laugh as Jerika Gonzalez busts a move before entering the Pavilion at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds for graduation Thursday.

— image credit: Jesse Beals/staff photo

Valedictorians Brie Chun and Megan Cox borrowed John Lennon’s words to say farewell to the Central Kitsap High School Class of 2008.

“A dream you dream alone is only a dream,” they said. “A dream you dream together is reality.”

Maybe a dream come true, graduating high school became a reality for 360 CK seniors Thursday night at the school’s commencement in the Pavilion at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.

Seven class salutatorians opened the evening on the mic, greeting the packed pavilion with an introductory speech, while senior class speakers Alex Dohoda and Nick Pittman tag-teamed a speech of their own.

“Let’s keep it real and persevere like we’ve done up to this point,” Dohoda said, followed by Pittman. “Let’s rock and roll.”

With that, the 2008 CK commencement rolled along.

CK Principal John Cervinsky presented the senior class and honored Chun and Cox as class valedictorians while recognizing the seven class salutatorians.

“These individuals have set the highest standards of excellence,” he said.

Together, the CK Class of 2008 received $1.4 million in scholarship money.

Superintendent Greg Lynch complimented the graduates saying, “we are moved by your achievements.”

After each diploma was conferred, Chun and Cox sent their classmates off with closing remarks.

“Regardless of what you decide to become, you will impact the world somewhere, somehow,” Cox said. “Now it’s time to make our impact on the world.”

The class and crowd cheered and Cox concluded.

“It’s finally time for us to leave this cocoon,” she said, followed by Chun. “So, spread your wings and be free.”

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